Wimbledon Tram Service Set To Increase By 50%


But stop will close for three months during work

Work that will help to increase the tram service from Wimbledon by 50% is due to start next month.

The development will see a new tram platform built at Wimbledon and the arrival of four new trams - allowing 12 to run every hour along the route from Wimbledon to Croydon.

To complete the work, and the new track layout, the route between Dundonald Road and Wimbledon will be closed from July 13 to October.

Sharon Thompson, Director of London Trams, said: "The tram enhancement work at Wimbledon is a vital development that will increase the capacity of London's tram network, which is much needed on this busy service. When complete in 2016, our customers will benefit from a more frequent service with the introduction of four new trams across the Wimbledon to West Croydon branch.

"The tram platform at Wimbledon will need to be closed temporarily to finish the work. Passengers will need to allow some extra time to get to and from Dundonald Road during this period."

The tram network has experienced rapid growth in passenger numbers since it opened in 2000, from 18.5 million passengers in its first year of operation to over 32 million in 2014/15, and demand on the tram network is forecast to increase to around 60 million by 2030.

A number of improvements have already been made, including a 700m section of track between Mitcham Junction and Beddington Lane and an additional 1000m of track between Mitcham and Mitcham Junction, which have removed bottlenecks and improved access.

The improvements will also have a positive impact on other transport services in the area, helping to relieve congestion on buses and encouraging car owners to leave their vehicles at home - reducing traffic and carbon emissions.

While the work at Wimbledon is being carried out, trams will not serve Wimbledon but will start and stop at Dundonald Road for three months. There will be a clearly signposted walking route throughout the closure and valid tram tickets will also be accepted on local buses that connect Wimbledon with London's tram network.

Customers for Merton Park are advised to use the 163 and 164 bus routes, customers for Morden Road are advised to use the 93 and for Phipps Bridge the 200 bus route. National Rail and District line services from Wimbledon will not be affected.

Fiona Twycross London AM said: "A new platform in Wimbledon and four new trams on the network is a very welcome development. This increased capacity will help more commuters get around quickly and with less hassle. Improvements such as these are vital to the local economy in South London.

"TfL now needs to ensure that this improvement work is carried with the least possible disruption to commuters in Wimbledon."

November 11, 2010